Highly Recommended: Top 8 Journeys to Share with a Friend

Posted on 3/3/2026 04:00:00 AM in Trending Topics

Some travelers recommend trips because they want a friend or loved one to share the journey with them; others inspire new travelers based on their own experiences after they return. Below, discover our Top 8 adventures for first-time travelers who were referred to O.A.T. or Grand Circle by a friend.

Interested in sharing your love of travel? Learn more about earning rewards as a Vacation Ambassador—whether your friends travel with you or on their own.

1. Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari—Maximum group size: 16

Our most popular itinerary video:

Ultimate Africa—2026 Itinerary

See a detailed overview of this itinerary, including pre- and post-trip extensions and adventure highlights.

  • 17-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure
View Itinerary

2. Sicily's Ancient Landscapes & Timeless Traditions —Maximum group size: 16

See two travelers sharing this adventure:

Tara and Shauna's Sicily Trip Experience

Join Tara and her daughter Shauna as they explore Sicily together and zip along the narrow streets of Modica aboard tiny Fiat cars.

  • 16-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure
View Itinerary

3. Japan's Cultural Treasures —Maximum group size: 16

See two travelers sharing this adventure:

Bonnie and Wilhemina's Japan Trip Experience

Follow two friends, Bonnie and Wilhemina, as they journey through Japan, and watch as they prepare traditional hoto noodles with locals in Ashigawa.

  • 15-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure
View Itinerary

4. Morocco Sahara Odyssey —Maximum group size: 16

See two travelers sharing this adventure:

Jackie and Robin's Morocco Trip Experience

Meet this mother-daughter duo and follow along as they explore Morocco's Sahara Desert and learn to see the world through other people's eyes.

  • 16-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure
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5. Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley —Maximum group size: 16

Our most popular itinerary video:

Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley—2026 Itinerary

See a detailed overview of the types of experiences you'll have on this adventure in the land of the Incas.

  • 11-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure
View Itinerary

6. The Seine: Paris to Normandy —Average group size: 38

Our most popular itinerary video:

Paris to Normandy—2026 Itinerary

See a detailed overview of the experiences that await you on this River Cruise Tour, from Paris to Normandy.

  • 13-day Grand Circle River Cruise aboard the privately owned, 120-passenger M/S Bizet
View Itinerary

7. Crossroads of the Adriatic: Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Slovenia —Maximum group size: 16

See two travelers sharing this adventure:

Susan and Carol's Adriatic Trip Experience

Witness mother-daughter duo Susan and Carol's Croatia and Montenegro adventure as they watch an a cappella group perform in Split, shop for flowers at a Croatian open-air market, and taste chocolate from a local confectioner's shop.

  • 18-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure
View Itinerary

8. Northern Italy: The Alps, Dolomites & Lombardy —Maximum group size: 16

See two travelers sharing this adventure:

Linda and Nanette's Northern Italy Trip Experience

Follow Linda and Nanette through the villages and vineyards of northern Italy and learn why these two friends have chosen to travel the world together.

  • 16-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure
View Itinerary

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